Choosing the best camp stove for your next trip can be a very worthwhile investment. A scrumptious meal after a long hike, a hot cup of coffee on a chilly morning or a sizzling breakfast with your loved ones as the sun rises, are moments to be cherished while camping. All these are made possible if you carry the right kind of camping stove with you.
Finding the best camping stove can lead to a slight trade-off between the fuel type, the weight, size, and other specs, depending on the brand and the type of stove. While small stoves are lightweight, simple, and comparatively cheap, large-sized camp stoves are a better buy if you have a big camping group. It all depends on the individual’s priorities.
The best stove for camping should be versatile enough to handle cooking outdoors, portable, strong to withstand any mishaps, and light enough to be carried around freely.
Important Factors in a Stove for Camping
Before choosing a camping stove, here are a few important things you should consider-
- Fuel Type
Stoves are found in different fuel types- butane, propane, charcoal, wood, and so on. Out of all, propane is most commonly used since it is easily available and works well under most conditions. The only problem is, its performance decreases as the temperature falls below the freezing point. Liquid fuel is a better option if you wish to camp all four-seasons/throughout the year.
- Burner Power
Burner power is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). Higher the BTU, faster the cooking rate. A high BTU is a better option since you can save time on cooking or boiling water.
- Number of Burners
If you are camping solo or with few others and don’t prefer cooking much during hiking, then a single burner stove is sufficient. But, if you have a big group, a two or three burner stove is a better option. However, the big burners will be a little heavier compared to the smaller ones
- Ignition Type
The most convenient one to opt for is a camp stove with button ignition. You can save yourself from burning your fingers or eyebrows if you use traditional matchsticks. However, button ignition camp stoves come at a higher price.
- Size and Weight
Weight and size are important factors to consider before camping. If you are going just a few meters away from your car, then that’s not an issue. The bigger the camp stove the more space it will take up in your camping tent and backpack. Best is to keep the weight under ten pounds if you are heading to the backcountry.
The Best Backpacking Camp Stoves
To help you choose the best camp stove for your next trip, here is a list of the best camping stoves available in the market today.
Camp Chef Everest Propane – Our Favorite
Please note: The Everest has been replaced by the Explorer.
When it comes to campsite cooking, there aren’t many that can compete with Camp Chef Everest. It is hard to find faults in this camp stove. Features of this camp stove are-
- Boiling time
With two burners of 20,000 BTUs each, this stove takes only 2.5 minutes to boil a quarter of water. This is one of the best boiling speeds found in any other camp stoves. Stoves that boil faster can cook faster; this saves you precious time.
- Simmering Ability
The simmering performance of this camp stove is great, and it can easily slow-cook your favorite dish. However, the low setting in this stove is a little on the high side and can cook a bit faster than intended if you are not paying attention.
- Wind Resistance
This camp stove has impressive wind resistance. It can boil a quarter of water in just 3 minutes when faced with windy situations.
- Fuel used
Propane
- Setup
This model is compact and comes in only two parts- the stove itself and a propane adapter.
- Ease of care
The stove can be easily cleaned by using a sponge or steel wool, in case of tougher stains. The cooking grate can be lifted easily for cleaning.
- Portability
This model provides a few inches extra in width for bigger frying pans and can be packed down to 23.5 x 13.5 x 4 inches. A handle is attached to the bottom of Everest, which makes it comfortable and easier for the stove to be carried around.
Eureka Ignite Plus
Unfortunately, the Eureka is no longer available.
The Eureka Ignite Plus is a strongly constructed stove that comes with a wide cooking area along with removable rubber feet for leveling and traction. This stove is great for larger groups since it can easily accommodate two 12 inch pans. You can even daisy-chain stoves together since it is compatible with the Jetlink system of the Eureka brand.
- Boling time
With two burners of 10,000 BTUs each, the stove takes approximately 4:45 to 5 minutes to boil a quart of water. This stove may not be the most powerful one on the market, but its compact and robust design makes it a good choice.
- Wind Resistance
The stove works well with mild natural wind, but not so great when there is heavy wind. If you don’t expect a storm or harsh wind at your campsite, this stove will get the job done!
- Simmering Ability
The ignite offers an impeccable simmering ability. With a large range of heat burner settings and clear markings on the knobs, you can get the perfect simmering setting you like.
- Fuel used
Propane
- Ease of Setup
Setting up this stove is super easy, like any other compact tabletop stove. It doesn’t come with non-slip rubber feet but only needs to be screwed on the base at first, and thereafter you just need to level it on uneven surfaces.
- Ease of Care
Just lift the grate, scrub away any grime, place the grate down and close the lid.
- Portability
The Ignite is slightly wider than most camp stoves and allows you to cook using large pans and pots. Measuring 23 x 12.8 x 4 inches and weighing 11.96 pounds, it won’t make much of a difference though when you have a car packed with other camping gear.
Coleman Triton Series 2-Burner Stove
This model by Coleman is designed to serve its purpose under rugged cooking conditions. It boasts of a Perfect Heat technology that makes sure that the temperature is just right for cooking. It has an independently adjustable heat control that allows the user to control the settings from boil to simmer.
- Boiling time
With two 11,000 BTU burners, the average boiling time on this stove is around three minutes, which is good.
- Simmering ability
The independently adjustable heat controls makes sure that you can keep your burner on low setting and simmer your delicate food items.
- Fuel type
Propane. This model has great fuel efficiency with a run time of one hour with a 16.4-ounce propane cylinder when used on high.
- Setting up
This camp stove is easy to set up, and you don’t have to follow any fancy instructions.
- Ease of care
Simply lift the grate and scrub any grime or dirt present.
- Portability
It comes with a built-in handle for ease of carrying around. Measuring only 21 x 12.5 x 4.25 inches and weighing 10 lbs, this stove is lightweight and durable.
Coleman Signature Grill Stove
For those of you who love everything grilled, this is the stove for you!! This innovative model combines a single burner on one half and a grill on the other half. If you want a stove that can boil, cook and grill too, then this is the best bet. Some of its features are-
- Boiling time
With two 11,000 BTU burners, the boiling time for this stove is moderate. The average for boiling water is approximately three minutes. The burner has enough stove to fit in a 10 inches pan, which is good enough. The grill size is 130 sq.inches, which is perfect for grilling a few pieces of meat while camping.
Simmering ability
The perfect heat technology makes sure that the temperature is just right always. In terms of simmering ability, this stove gives you good control over the heat and simmers your food well.
- Fuel used
Propane
- Wind resistance
This stove can be used even on windy days, because of the wind block panels attached to the stove. On calmer days, the panels can be used even as a side table.
- Setting up
The stove is easy to set up like any other compact tabletop camp stoves. It comes with nonskid feet, which allows you to stir pots with ease.
- Ease of Care
This model is super easy to clean. There is a grease management tray that can be removed for cleaning, and the grates can also be removed for scrubbing. It is a good idea to line the area under the grill with tin foil.
- Portability
Measuring just 22x13x4 inches and weighing 13 pounds, this stove can be a little bigger and heavier than others, but it is totally worth taking this piece along with you.
Stansport Outfitter Series 3-Burner
The Stansport Outfitter Series-3 burner is a great pick if you are car camping. It works best as a tabletop but can be conveniently placed on a rock or a tree stump, or it can even be set up on the ground. It is perfect for groups of about five campers, performs well even in higher altitudes and in windy situations. This stove gives a great balance of price, performance, and durability for any of your car camping trips. It has a robust design with high BTUs.
- Boiling time
With two 25,000 BTUs burners and one 10,000 BTU burner, this stove performs like wildfire and is one of the fastest camp stoves in boiling speeds. Its average boiling time is about 2:30 minutes, which is perfect for those on the run.
- Simmering Ability
The simmering ability of this stove is impeccable and can be done with ease. It has a wide range of low heat settings, and you can easily control the flame with the knobs.
- Fuel used
Propane
- Wind resistance
This stove is literally impervious to winds. The windscreen makes sure that your heat is perfect even when you burn under low settings. Slow, delicious cooking is a possibility when you use this stove.
- Setting up
No brainer!! If you have used other compact stoves, then this will be super easy for you. Just open the top, secure the windscreen, fix the propane adapter and you are ready to cook!
- Ease of Care
Cleaning and maintaining this stove is easy, just like any other camp stove.
GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540
The GSI Outdoors Selkirk is no longer available. We recommend the Stansport Outfitter, available at the link below.
One of the best budget camp stoves available out there, the GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540 is a well-functioning compact stove that won’t let you down in terms of performance. It boils fast, is easy and quick to set up, is super easy to clean, and it blocks the wind too!! If you are someone who likes to cook things under a simmer, then you may probably prefer some other model; otherwise, this is perfect for any camp chef who likes to cook anything.
- Boiling time
The Selkirk boiled a quarter of water in just 4 minutes on a windy day, which is quite impressive. Though it comes with only two 10,000 BTU burners, this compact camping stove won’t disappoint you in its efficiency. If you are not particular about high BTUs, then this is the model for you!
- Simmering ability
The simmering ability of this camp stove is just mediocre since it cooks a little on the hot side. Unless you are cooking delicate items, its simmering performance is good enough and not a cause of frustration.
- Wind Resistance
Surprisingly, this stove performs really well under windy conditions, given the fact that it does not have very high BTUs. The compact design helps it to work well with low to moderate wind.
- Fuel type
Propane
- Ease of Setup
Just like any other camp stove, simply flip open the lid, fix the windscreens and the fuel adapter, hit the automatic ignition button, and that’s all!
- Ease of Care
Its maintenance is very simple. Just lift the grate and wipe off any dirt.
- Portability
The Selkirk is great in terms of portability. Measuring only 21.4 x 12.9 x 3.8 inches and weighing only 9.77 pounds, you can carry this light and compact stove everywhere. It is one of the best stoves for backpacking.
Conclusion
Camp stoves are a piece of essential equipment you should carry when you are going on long camping trips. Choosing the best stove for backpacking or camping is easy if you know what your priorities are. Carrying an efficient and portable camp stove along will definitely not disappoint you.
